JEFFERSON saved one of its biggest offensive nights of the year for its closest rival.
The Dragons (4-5, 2-3) picked up a 4-1 win over second-place Jackson County Tuesday at home as they continue to contend for a region playoff spot.
“They did better passing the ball around,” Jefferson coach Jacob Marble said of his team. “Our midfield finally put some things together after about 20 minutes. The defense, of course, was still a strong point. Our forwards capitalized on the passing, so it was good.”
The Dragons are currently a half-game out of fourth place. The top four teams in each subregion advanced to the 8-AA tournament.
Jefferson’s four goals were a season high, although one of the scores was a Jackson County on-goal.
The Dragons got a first-half goal from Kamon Johnson and second-half scores from Sebastian Arroyave and Bryan Thao. The other score came via the on-goal early in the second half. Jefferson also had two additional goals negated with off-sides calls.
Marble said the team could have used those two extra goals with potential tie-breaking scenarios ahead in the subregion standings. Goal differential is one of the tie-breaker criteria.
“We needed it for the goal differential,” Marble said.
Meanwhile, Jackson County (4-9, 3-2) — which got its goal from Patrick Ventura on a penalty kick in the first half — falls into a tie for second place in 8-AA South with East Jackson. Those two teams play Thursday.
Jefferson will enjoy some extended off-time for spring break and will return to play April 10 against non-region foe Lumpkin County. The Dragons play their season finale against subregion foe Hart County April 13.
“I think we’ll be fine,” Marble said of the hiatus. “They need a little bit of a break. We’ve got some injuries.”
